Unbelievable

Marie Adler is a teenager who reports a sexual assault, then withdraws her statement and faces accusations of lying. The series tracks the personal fallout for Marie as the initial investigation collapses under conflicting testimony and hardened skepticism. Parallel to that, two experienced female detectives pick up seemingly unrelated cases and notice patterns that authorities ignored. The show moves between Marie's experience and the painstaking work of investigators, showing how evidence, memory, and institutional procedures interact without giving away major plot twists or the resolution of the central mystery.

Released in 2019 and created by Susannah Grant, the limited series adapts investigative reporting by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong for ProPublica and The Marshall Project, updating the true reporting into a character-driven drama.

The series earned multiple nominations at major television awards, recognizing its performances and writing. Cast members received particular attention for their turns, and the show helped raise the profiles of several actors while reinforcing its reputation among critics.

Unbelievable sparked wide discussion about how survivors are treated by police and the justice system, amplifying conversations about skepticism, credibility, and trauma. It resonated with viewers and advocacy groups, prompting articles and social media debate that highlighted systemic failures and the need for more sensitive, evidence-based approaches.

Critics generally praised the series for its steady tone and focus on institutional detail, and audience response reflects strong approval, with a vote average around 7.95/10 from 745 votes. Major themes include trauma and trust, the limits of memory, and the persistence of investigators who refuse to dismiss victims; the tone stays sober and deliberate rather than sensational.